Environmental Qualification & Design Engineer
Zone 5 Technologies, LLC is seeking a highly skilled Environmental Qualification & Design Engineer to lead the environmental testing, validation, and design integration of advanced counter-drone drone and missile systems for U.S. Department of Defense programs. This role requires a deep understanding of MIL-STD-810, EMI/EMC, and missile systems—blending hands-on test execution with early-phase design input to ensure our platforms perform in the most demanding operational environments.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop, author, and execute detailed environmental test plans in compliance with MIL-STD-810 and related military standards.
Partner with design engineering teams to integrate test-derived insights into hardware architecture, material selection, and packaging to improve reliability and survivability.
Translate environmental qualification needs into design guidelines and drive early-phase design reviews to ensure environmental readiness.
Conduct and oversee testing across critical environments, including shock, vibration, temperature, humidity, rain, and sand/dust.
Coordinate and support EMI/EMC testing, including collaboration with external labs and internal electrical teams.
Lead test setup planning, including harnessing, fixturing, instrumentation, and data acquisition strategies.
Serve as primary technical interface for third-party test houses—coordinating logistics, validating setup integrity, and ensuring test fidelity.
Apply knowledge of missile systems and counter-UAS platforms to guide realistic and mission-relevant test planning.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability systems engineering.
Direct hands-on expertise in MIL-STD-810 environmental testing, with working knowledge of DO-160 and/or related military/industry standards.
Experience in identifying root cause failure and incorporating insights into early design phases to ensure success.
Solid understanding of both mechanical and electrical systems, including familiarity with power/harnessing, enclosures, and electronics packaging under extreme conditions.
Hands-on experience with test instrumentation, vibration tables, thermal chambers, and data collection tools.
Proven ability to work cross-functionally with internal engineering teams and external testing partners.
Experience supporting or qualifying missile systems, guided munitions, or small aerial vehicles in DoD acquisition or RDT&E environments.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering - Master's preferred.
Level IV: $142,000 - $193,000/yr.
Level V: $171,000 - $230,000/yr.
Pay range for this role
$142,000—$230,000 USD